The Fonthill Lions celebrated 80 years of serving the Pelham Community with a special commemorative dinner at the Fonthill Legion on April 26.
Speakers honouring the Lions community contributions included MP Dean Allison, MPP Michael Zweep (representing Sam Oosterhoof), Mayor Marvin Junkin, Lions District Governor Wil Banda, Past Lions International Director Allan Snider and longtime members of the Fonthill Lions Fred and Eleanor Arbour.
Presenters highlighted some of the major accomplishments that the Fonthill Lions spearheaded over the years, including their dedicated work on the Fonthill Park, now known as Marlene Stewart Streit Park. In 1950, the Fonthill Lions purchased adjacent property to create access to the park, then improved the baseball field, installed lighting, built an outdoor rink, financed ice equipment, constructed a change house for skaters and erected a bandshell. In 1959, the Fonthill Lions led a campaign for Fonthill’s first public neighbourhood pool, donating $16,000 for the construction. ($165,000 in today’s monetary value). In 1975, they donated $17,000 towards construction of the original Haist Street community arena ($90,000 today). In 2016, the Club pledged and raised $25,000 to sponsor an elevator, named the “Fonthill Lions Lift”, to enable accessibility for everyone at the town’s Meridian Community Centre. These were a few of the major efforts the Fonthill Lions drove to raise money for community service.
Attendance at the dinner included massive support from other A2 District Lions Clubs including members the Welland Lions (who sponsored the Fonthill Lions in 1945), Fenwick Lions (who the Fonthill Lions sponsored in 1949), as well as St. Davids, Stamford, Jarvis, Townsend, Wainfleet, Ridgeway, Fort Erie, Lynn Valley, Hagersville, Long Point, Port Dover, Tillsonburg, Port Colborne, Garden City, Merritton, Grimsby, Fishersville, Chippawa and Thorold. A member of each club lined up to pay homage to the Fonthill Lions. Members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill and Kinsmen also attended, as well as all six Councillors from the Town of Pelham.
As part of the celebration, special awards were provided to several current members of the Fonthill Lions. Helen Keller Fellowships were given to Allen Crowe and Ted Gula. Art Woods Golden Tree Awards were given to Patrick O’Hara and Jan Chamberlain and the Melvin Jones Fellowship was presented to Marylou Hilliard.
The Fonthill Lions proudly displayed numerous scrapbooks in the Legion foyer at the event. These showcased the Fonthill Lions pride in creating unique events, activities and fundraisers and in volunteering their time to serve the community.
The Fonthill Lions have the unique distinction of being “The Motto Makers” for Lions International. In 1954, Fonthill Lion Doug Stephenson’s motto of “We Serve” was chosen from 6,000 entries as Lions International’s global motto.
Rich in tradition, the Fonthill Lions Club continues to flourish today, serving its community, welcoming new members and preserving historical memories for future generations.
For information, to donate to the Fonthill Lions or to inquire about membership email fonthilllions@gmail.com.